VIDEO World War II cannon shells removed from the sea near Hvar

Special police divers retrieved two artillery shells and one ballistic capsule from the sea near the island of Hvar early Tuesday afternoon, according to local police reports. The explosive devices were found approximately five meters below the surface off the coast of Lukavci, a small island near Hvar. The operation followed a tip received by authorities yesterday after a suspicious object was spotted in the water. The incident began when police received information about an item resembling a shell observed in the sea. In response, a team of specialized divers from the Special and Intervention Police Unit was immediately dispatched to the location. The divers conducted a careful search of the area and successfully recovered the identified explosives without incident. The items were removed from the seabed and secured for further handling. According to police descriptions, the recovered objects appear to be artillery shells with calibers ranging between 120 and 150 millimeters. These weapons are believed to date back to World War II and have remained submerged under the Adriatic Sea for many years. The shells and the ballistic capsule will be handed over to the Regional Explosive Disposal Unit in Split for safe disposal. Lukavci, located just off the coast of Hvar, has long been associated with historical military activity during World War II. The region saw significant combat operations due to its strategic position along the Dalmatian coast. Over time, numerous unexploded ordnances have been discovered in the surrounding waters, prompting regular efforts by local authorities to locate and neutralize such threats. The retrieval of these wartime relics highlights the ongoing risks posed by unexploded ordnance in coastal areas. Despite decades having passed since the end of the war, the presence of such items continues to pose a danger to both recreational activities and maritime traffic. Authorities frequently conduct underwater searches to identify and remove these hazards before they can cause harm. Local police emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding the potential dangers of unexploded ordnance. They urged residents and visitors to report any suspected finds to the appropriate authorities rather than attempting to handle them themselves. Such incidents require professional intervention to ensure safety and prevent accidental detonation. The operation near Hvar underscores the continued relevance of post-war clearance efforts in Croatia’s coastal regions. Similar discoveries have been made in other parts of the country, including the nearby islands of Brač and Šolta, where divers regularly uncover remnants of past conflicts. These findings serve as reminders of the lingering impact of historical warfare on contemporary communities. Authorities confirmed that the recovered items will undergo thorough inspection and analysis before being safely destroyed. The process involves detailed documentation and assessment to determine the exact nature and origin of each artifact. This ensures that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent any risk of explosion during transportation or disposal. The successful recovery of the artillery shells marks another step in the broader effort to clear the Adriatic Sea of hazardous wartime remnants. As new technologies and methods continue to evolve, so too does the capability of law enforcement and military personnel to detect and manage these threats effectively. The work remains critical in safeguarding both human life and marine environments affected by historical conflict. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and cooperation between local communities and authorities in addressing the challenges posed by unexploded ordnance. Continued efforts to raise awareness and encourage responsible behavior among the public remain essential in preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of all who live near or visit these historically significant waters.